Small Poultry Farm Education Project

PROJECT BACKGROUND
I used my own acre this year for some growing of squash and tomatoes and chickens. I used Mr. Jennings’ one acre last year in 2007 and ½ acre in 2008.

I secured my livestock, built my chicken house and planted the garden in the year 2007. Graduated in 2006 from Master Garden Program sponsored by K State, Manhattan, Kansas did some art, but art pictures were absorbed by Christina Allen $450.00 hand done originals I did two of thirteen.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND RESULTS
I did quite a bit of library research and actually held classes at the library. I did ground research by using chicken tea. This tea originated from chicken manure I stored. I kept chicken in house until their home was built in garage area. Put out in barrels rain water fell on it used manure water to fertilize.

My steps included purchasing chickens, raising, selling chickens and eggs to neighbors, friends and at (2) roadside events. I borrowed 11,000 from my bank to finance my chicken house and purchase my livestock. Some money was used to complete my Master Garden Course. Mr. Joe Jennings became my SARE mentor and taught me by actually having hands on contact as opposed to viewing videos and other farms, which we did in Master Gardener classes, Mr. Jennings showed me how to garden and get a result from actual work and delegating to others in my project what, when and how. My experience was unique and special, by product Soul Hot Salsa for chili suppers and barbeques made by yours truly.

People:
Mr. Joe Jennings - teacher, mentor
Mr. John Drew – kept me informed about events, meetings for farmers and even took me there. Mr. Drew took me to Mr. Frank Reese’s farm in Salina in October 2007. Mr. Drew took me and my assistant to the farmer’s conference in Boone Fairgrounds in Columbia in the 2007.
Ms. Cheri Miller – has assisted me with this project by coming out to my land and advising me of what can be done. Funding for fencing will be obtained in the year 2009, for continued improvements once the conservation program is implemented.

Results:
My production was interesting; I bought and sold over 250 chickens. I made some money from chickens I made money from selling some eggs. My field analysis was not as good as anticipated, my laborers were not as diligent as I was, but the related data was enhanced by my classes I held and the selling of my tomatoes, onions this year and last year. My classes are called the Healing Egg classes; we took eggs to classes, and have small drawings done by me as instructor. The classes have begun to get larger I brought food from the garden, and we used this food to share at classes. I taught classes on how they can be healthy with good organically home grown food and we discussed recipes of egg and chicken ingredients. This value added class was created by me to assist in community awareness, the results have been awesome.
Discussion:
I learn a lot about perseverance, being in integrity and creating a possibility for me to continue on when times were tough. I over came my barrier by being diligent in my idea to the advantages is my dream complete did not become a nightmare, but a real awesome project. my man power was limited, and some of my livestock was demised before selling time could take place, promise eggs and chickens did not lay as much. I am not big enough to satisfy big business – disadvantage. Mr. Reese (from Good Shepherd Farm taught me) stay small and you can handle your dream without lots of laborers, I agree.

Project Impacts:
The economic impact has been diminished by funds. The environment has changed I have made inroads socially by being in a sustainable program. I would have never been doing Healing Egg classes or going to grants with SARE.

OUTREACH
1. Project brochures – passed out at library telling my Master Garden classmates, churches in the area, and neighbor action groups.
2. Classes on Livestock (Healing Egg) art classes and attracting a artist to assist me in the art, a byproduct of my farming.
3. The overall results is presumed superb by all involved.